OROVILLE — A 72-year-old man was formally charged today for allegedly killing three and then setting their bodies on fire in a vehicle June 13.

Outside of Butte County Superior Court, District Attorney Mike Ramsey detailed what allegedly took place at the Centerville Road residence of defendant Donald George Clark on June 12.

In court, Judge Michael Deems informed Clark, of Butte Creek Canyon, that he was charged with three felony counts of murder and a felony count of arson.

Although authorities haven't disclosed the victims' names while awaiting DNA confirmation, the charges state the victims were Roland Lowe, 15, his mother Colleen Lowe, 46, and Richard Jones Jr., 17.

Sacramento TV station KCRA 3 confirmed the names with the victims' families as they left court.

The murder counts include the special allegation that Clark fired a weapon causing great bodily injury and the special circumstance of multiple murder.

If Clark is convicted for the murders and special circumstance, he could be sentenced to death or life in prison without possibility of parole.

Clark did not enter a plea today.

Deems appointed defense attorney Jesus Rodriguez to represent Clark and set a hearing Tuesday where an initial plea may be entered.

Outside of court, Ramsey said Clark had known one of the victims: Jones, the 17-year-old, had stayed at the property on three previous summers. He said there had been a falling out between the two last year. Clark allegedly accused the male of having stolen property and didn't want the teenager to return.

According to Ramsey, investigators believe Jones was joined by the Roland and Colleen Lowe in driving to Clark's property on June 11. Their trip in a green 2000 Acura TL — reportedly stolen that day from Sacramento — was extended because they got lost. Ramsey said there was surveillance video of the trio in Shasta County.

On June 12, they parked on the 14000 block of Centerville Road and walked towards Clark's residence. Ramsey said Clark used a 12-gauge pump shotgun to fire on the three as they approached his residence.

"He saw them come into his place. He wanted them off and that's when the shooting occurred," Ramsey said.

Ramsey didn't specify why the group went to the property but said it did not appear to be drug-related.

After the shooting, Clark allegedly put the bodies in the vehicle and parked it on the Skyway near Powellton Road between DeSabla and Stirling City. The defendant allegedly used gasoline to set the vehicle on fire before returning to his property on a bicycle.

Firefighters found the victims after extinguishing the fire after 12:15 a.m. June 13.

Ramsey said investigators used several resources to connect the bodies to Clark, including a call from Jones' mother. She reportedly called the Sheriff's Office after the fire to report he was missing and she knew he was traveling to the area.

Ramsey said his office hasn't yet determined whether to pursue the death sentence, but included the possibility because the matter is a triple homicide. He said they will consider factors including Clark's background, the wishes of the victims' families and if it is a worthwhile use of resources given the defendant's age.

Clark is being held at Butte County Jail without bail, given the nature of the charges.